The tropical ecosystem of Hawaii is home to a wide range of plants, which compete in beauty and color. But Hawaiian people not only admire the flowers in their natural environment, but they also wear them as jewelry. Wearing flowers is a very old Hawaiian tradition and is full of history and significance.
The Hawaiian lei
The history of Hawaiian lei, the flower garlands wore around the neck, starts with the first Polynesians who came from Tahiti. The garlands were made of flowers, leaves, feathers, nuts, seeds, shells, and even bones and teeth of animals. They were meant to make people look beautiful and different from one another, show wealth and rank, and even as a royal symbol. But lei had deeper meanings too. It was used in spiritual rituals and as a symbol of peace.
Nowadays the lei is probably the most popular Hawaiian symbol. Tourists have been welcomed with lei in Hawaii since the beginning of the XXth century. It’s also part of many rituals and local beliefs. For example, when someone is leaving the islands, the person throws a lei in the ocean to make sure they would return someday. Since 1928, Hawaii has an official Lei Day, which is celebrated every year on May, 1st.
You can wear a lei in Hawaii on many occasions and even without an occasion. You can make the lei yourself, buy it, or receive it as a welcome gesture. However, it’s impolite to refuse a lei or to remove it in the presence of the person who gave it to you. But who could refuse such a beautiful garland made from tropical flowers in bright colors?
Wearing flowers behind the ear
The lei isn’t the only way you can wear flowers in Hawaii. You can wear them around the head (haku, a shorter lei), around the hips (hei), on the wrist or ankle (kupe’e), in the hair, or behind the ear. But make sure you choose the ear according to your marital status. The Hawaiian tradition says married or in a relationship women wear the flower behind the left ear, while single women wear the flower behind the right ear.
The most popular flowers wore behind the ear are Plumeria flowers. You can see them on hula dancers as they’re part of their costumes. Plumeria flowers signify grace, beauty, a new beginning, creativity, or charm.
The Hawaiian tradition of wearing flowers is deeply connected with the spirit of Aloha, with the Hawaiian relation with nature and the universe. It speaks about beauty and grace, gratitude, and love. It has deep meanings and spiritual connections. Discover the true face of Hawaii by embracing and respecting its traditions.
FAQs
The Hawaiian tradition says married or in a relationship women wear the flower behind the left ear, while single women wear the flower behind the right ear. The most popular flowers wore behind the ear are Plumeria flowers. You can see them on hula dancers as they're part of their costumes.
What is the significance of flowers in Hawaiian culture? ›
In Hawaiian culture, flowers are often used to convey emotions, express love and respect, and honour gods and ancestors. They are also central to celebrations, such as weddings, graduations, and festivals, where they adorn leis, garlands, and headdresses, adding beauty and significance to the occasion.
Why do Hawaiian girls wear flowers in their hair? ›
In Hawai'ian culture, the plumeria can be used to symbolize a woman's romantic status when worn in the hair. If the flower is behind a woman's left ear, she is in a relationship. If it is worn behind the right ear, she is willing to meet a romantic partner.
What is the Hawaiian quote about flowers? ›
- Mohala i ka wai ka maka o ka pua. Unfolded by the water are the faces of the flower.
What is the Hawaiian flower etiquette? ›
In the Hawaiian culture, if you are to wear a flower behind your left ear, you are married and/or unavailable. Wearing a flower on the right side signifies the opposite, that the person in question is single and possibly looking for love. Be sure to wear accordingly!
What does the Hawaiian flower mean spiritually? ›
In Hawaiʻi, plumeria is associated with love, beauty, and romance, but their significance goes beyond physical beauty. It embodies the spirit of Aloha, the core value of love, kindness, and respect that defines Hawaiian culture.
What is the famous flower in Hawaii? ›
Hibiscus
Known for their large, showy blooms, there are several species of Hibiscus that are native to Hawaii. The yellow native Hibiscus, (Hibiscus brackenridgei) or 'ma'o hau hele' in the Hawaiian language, is the Hawaii State flower.
What is the national flower of Hawaii? ›
Hawaiians adopted the hibiscus – in all colors — as their official Territorial flower in the early 1920s however it wasn't until 1988 that the yellow hibiscus, specifically the Hibiscus brackenridgei was selected as Hawaii's state flower.
How to properly wear a lei? ›
The proper way to wear a closed lei is on the shoulders where it is draped half in front and half down the back. Open leis are worn with the middle of the lei hanging in the middle of the neck and the open ends evenly down the front. You do not need a special occasion to wear a lei. A lei can be worn anytime by anyone.
Do men wear flowers in their hair in Hawaii? ›
For men, a haku is usually made from greenery with no flowers included. The haku is often worn on the head, but it can also be work around the wrists, ankles and neck and even tied around a hat. These leis are often worn for luaus, weddings and graduations.
Wearing a Single Flower in Your Hair
According to Hawaiian tradition, when you place a flower behind your right ear you signal that you are single. When you are in a relationship, you place a flower behind your left ear.
What is the sacred flower of Hawaii? ›
The hibiscus is known for being Hawai'i's state flower. If you've ever visited, there's no doubt that you've seen hibiscus while roaming around. They come in many different colors, from red to yellow to pink and even purple.
What does it mean when a girl wears a flower on her left ear? ›
In Hawaiian culture, a flower behind a woman's right ear indicates that she is single. If the flower is behind her left ear, it indicates that she is engaged, married, or dating.
What does the Hawaiian national flower mean? ›
Also known as pua aloalo in Hawaiian, the hibiscus represents royalty and communicated power and respect. Native to the Hawaiian Islands, the Hibiscus brackenridgei is endangered, so if you encounter one, be sure to treat the plant with care.
What is the classic flower of Hawaii? ›
Nevertheless, the jazzy, vivid flower, in hues ranging from bright pink to white, has come to symbolize Hawaii, with the yellow hibiscus, also known as pua alo alo, serving as the state's flower.
